At least eight people have been confirmed dead after suspected cult members carried out a violent night attack on Aliade Street in the High Level area of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack happened in the early hours of Monday when armed men invaded the area and opened fire on residents in a compound.
A local resident who spoke anonymously said the attackers arrived around 2 a.m. and targeted young men sleeping inside one of the buildings on the street.
He explained that the gunmen forced their way in and shot several people at close range, killing about eight persons during the operation.
The Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Hon. Joseph Keffi, confirmed the incident and described it as a cult-related attack that has caused fear in the community.
He said the attackers came on motorcycles between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., entered a compound, woke some victims from sleep, and shot them dead. He added that four other people who ran out after hearing gunshots were also killed.
According to him, the attack may be connected to a cult member who had a disagreement with his group and escaped from the North Bank area of Makurdi. The suspect reportedly took refuge in High Level, where he stayed with friends.
The council boss said the victims were not cult members but innocent residents who only gave shelter to the fleeing suspect.
He added that security agencies had already been informed and expressed confidence that those responsible would be arrested.
Keffi also said one suspected cult leader linked to repeated killings in Makurdi and surrounding communities has been identified. He noted that the suspect usually disappears after each attack, making it difficult for security forces to catch him quickly.
Meanwhile, the council chairman praised security operatives for their quick response and said patrols have been increased in the area while investigations continue.
The bodies of the victims have been deposited at the morgue of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and another private hospital in Makurdi.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that detectives were deployed to the scene immediately after the attack.
She said preliminary findings suggest the killings were carried out by a cult group allegedly led by a suspect identified as “Odinaka,” who is known for similar violent activities.
The police also confirmed that 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts are ongoing to track down the main suspect and other fleeing members of the gang.